Strikeforce develops its future stars on its Challengers shows. Three months back, Sarah Kaufman came up big with a win over Roxanne Modafferi to move up Strikeforce's shows on Showtime. Las night, it was time for Roger Bowling and Lavar Johnson to land that signature win that'd get them the call up. Johnson came through with a KO finish of Virgil Zwicker while Roger Bowling showed he needs a little more seasoning during a loss to Bobby Voelker.
Early in the fight, the 6-foot-4, 251-pound Johnson had to deal with the speed of Zwicker. He took some good licks - leg kicks and some straight rights - before unloading on the smaller heavyweight. Ninety seconds into the first, with little regard for Zwicker's power, the big man began to swing for the fences. After some huge uppercuts, Zwicker crumbled to the mat. Johnson didn't have to throw another shot in getting his third Challenger Series win at 2:17 of the first.
"I hit him hard a few times but he was in it for the fight. He made it a good fight," said Johnson.
Johnson (15-3) said he's ready for the step up to Showtime's main cards.
"I'm ready for the big show. I want to chase down some of those big name guys and see if I have what it takes or not. I'm not afraid of an ass whuppin'," said Johnson.
Johnson, 33, mentioned names like Andrei Arlovski and Brett Rogers.
Bowling (8-1) looked awesome early in his fight. His speed overwhelmed Voelker but he got a little left hook happy. Voelker lost the first but started to time that Bowling leaping left hook. Voelker had Bowling missing badly in the opening minutes of the second and fired back with some hard shots. That's when Bowling went for a takedown. It got stuffed and instead of scrambling back to his feet, Bowling sat there on all fours allowing Voelker to tee off. He landed six huge shots and it was downhill from there for Bowling.
Bowling got back to his feet but then tried another sloppy takedown that was thwarted. Voelker got top control and never relinquished it. He stayed busy with punches and hammerfists. Bruised and bloodied on his face, Bowling eventually covered up and turned to his side. The referee had to save him giving Voelker (23-8) the win at 3:58 of the second.
Strikeforce Challengers results (Courtesy MMAjunkie):
Bobby Voelker def. Roger Bowling via TKO (punches) - Round 2, 3:58
Lavar Johnson def. Virgil Zwicker via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 2:17
Billy Evangelista def. Waachiim Spiritwolf via unanimous decision
Julia Budd def. Shana Olsen via TKO (punches) - Round 2, 2:51
John Devine def. Brandon Cash via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 3:05
David Douglas def. Dominic Clark via TKO (punches) - Round 2, 2:33
Dave Bickers Anthony Boissiere Frederic Bolley Xavier Boog Damon Bradshaw
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